THE PROCESS

ISSUE NO. 68 | February 2025

Dear Friend,

We have some exciting events coming up, in March, we’ll be at the Affordable Art Fair with our New York State of Mind collaborative community project. Then, on May 1, join us for our annual Gala—featuring special guests you won’t want to miss! 

For Black History Month, we’re revisiting an earlier conversation with Jason Montalvo, LCAT, ATR-BC, as he shares follow-up insights on addressing mental health stigma in communities of color. 

Save the Date!

Use Code: P-GATATPS25

By highlighting the importance of greater accessibility to art therapy, including Black Art Therapists, our recent blog post encourages the public to explore critical issues and barriers that prevent Black communities from accessing mental health resources.

Program Updates

We’re excited to announce the extension of our new program at JVL Wildcat Academy! This program has integrated social and emotional learning into their daily art class, facilitated by a fully licensed art therapist. The program focuses on building self-awareness through the creative process, helping the students explore who they are and how they fit into the world at large. 

One student reflected in her final project said: "It's not only about art being appealing, it's about the feelings that go into it and the meaning behind the art."

Another student wrote: "Art can give messages and sometimes usually have deeper meaning to it."

Reflecting on the first semester of programming, Emily Hardy, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT stated, "It was a pleasure to witness students' self-limiting beliefs about their art skills transform into freedom to creatively explore their identities, the world, and their place in it. I hope that these young people continue to use art and creativity as a safe way to process their feelings and experiences beyond the classroom." 



In January, we partnered with Ryan Chelsea-Clinton for their Health and Wellness Fair, where we met with members of the community who learned more about us and hosted a creative button-making activity. Stay tuned for dates of upcoming community tabling events, or let us know if there’s an event where you’d like to see us represented. 



Have you started your art journaling journey yet? Whether it’s a daily practice or something you do when inspiration strikes, here’s a tip: mindfulness can happen at home or on the go. What’s been your favorite part of art journaling so far?



Our Impact

As of January 31, 2025

11,320

Clients Served

9,853

Therapy Sessions

1,825

Wellness Workshop Participants

50,000

Client Contacts

One of the many things that excites me about The Art Therapy Project is having community connection. Whether it’s through events that invite collaboration and creativity or discussing challenging topics that address barriers and stigma, we foster a safe, inclusive environment where individuals can express themselves freely, build understanding, and strengthen the bonds that help create change. 

Martha Dorn Executive Director

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